John Dolence is a native of Southwest Missouri, born and raised in Neosho. He attended Tulsa University where he was honored as one of the top ten seniors in his class. He stayed at Tulsa University and earned his law degree. He began practicing law in Tulsa, then returned to Neosho to practice law and raise a family. In 1995, he joined the Joplin firm of Spencer, Scott and Dwyer, where he concentrated his practice on civil litigation and workers’ compensation. After eighteen years with that firm, John established Dolence Law Office. He is licensed to practice law in the courts of Missouri and Oklahoma.

John has served as an elder and Clerk of Session at the First Presbyterian Church of Neosho and has chaired the Permanent Judicial Commission for John Calvin Presbytery of the PC(USA). He and his wife, Phyllis, were national officers with Presbyterian Mariners. In Neosho, John was a member of Kiwanis International, serving as club president and as district lieutenant governor. John enjoys building furniture in his woodshop and spending time with grandchildren.

John and Phyllis have two married sons, a daughter, three grandchildren, and two dogs.